Government can be deceptive, do not rely on subsidy: Nitin Gadkari

Nagpur: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari is known to express his opinion frankly. He not only criticises politicians but also bureaucrats.

He recently made a statement about political parties, which led to discussions in political circles. Gadkari said, “Keep away from the government, irrespective of which party is ruling. The government can be Vishkanya (deceptive).”

Mythological ‘Vishkanya’ or seductresses were known to lure people by their charm and kill people.

He advised entrepreneurs not to rely on subsidies. The Union Minister was addressing the ‘Advantage Vidarbha’ programme held by entrepreneurs. He gave important advice to investors, commented on political parties and told industry owners to not rely on the government because it could be deceptive.

Gadkari also mentioned the Ladki Bahin Yojana of the Maha Yuti government. He said, “Whichever party may be in power. You keep the government at an arm’s length. The government is like a ‘Vishkanya’, whoever it accompanies gets ruined. Therefore, entrepreneurs should be cautious while seeking help.

“If you want subsidy, you may get it. But one is not sure when one will get it. My son told me that he was conveyed that he would get a Rs 450-crore subsidy. He asked me when exactly he would get it. I asked him to pray to God because there was no guarantee that he would actually receive it.”

In the same breath, he mentioned the Ladki Bahin Yojana of the State Government in the backdrop of its criticism by the opposition. He said, “The State Government has launched the Ladki Bahin Yojana, for which it is diverting funds meant for various subsidies to the success of the Yojana. Therefore, it is better to not rely on a subsidy.”

Gadkari expressed his regret that investment was not taking place in Vidarbha in spite of efforts made for many years. He said that nobody was ready to invest Rs 500-1,000 crore in Vidarbha.